Going out for brunch is a great option if you want to celebrate the arrival of 2011 or just don't feel like cooking the morning after you've stayed up all night. Here are some restaurants in Greater Annapolis that are offering brunch on New Year's Day.

Austin Grill
If you haven't tried brunch at Austin Grill at Westfield Annapolis mall, you are missing out on a unique Tex-Mex twist on traditional dishes. Menu highlights include the chorizo burrito topped with tomato chipotle sauce, cornmeal pancakes, thick slices of French toast dusted with powdered sugar, and huevos rancheros served with red beans and rice.

The New Year's Day brunch special advertised on the website includes 11 percent off, free T-shirts for the first 50 guests (kids' T-shirts too), and half-price mimosas, bloody Marys and screwdrivers. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. or you can order from the regular menu. A favorite, especially the day after partying all night, is the "hangover" burger topped with Texas chili, bacon, onions, jalapenos, queso and a fried egg.

Brio Tuscan Grille
Brunch at Brio is always a treat with dishes like the breakfast panini and frittata al forno that is layered with eggs, angel hair, bacon, onions, spinach, artichokes, Fontina cheese and Parmesan cream. This elegant restaurant in Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole also offers a variety of crepes filled with your choice of fruit and ricotta, sausage and spinach, or crab and shrimp. Brunch at Brio is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

Eggcellence
Tucked away on Housley Road, the parking lot is always filled in the morning and early afternoon with Eggcellence diners. On New Year's Day, the restaurant will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Billed as a "brunchery," the menu is extensive without being overwhelming. It features traditional breakfast dishes such as griddlecakes, waffles, French toast and omelet's (you can even build your own). However, the truly special dishes at Eggcellence are the baked eggs, benedicts, and hash — it's tough to choose between two varieties of either corned beef or crab served with poached eggs.  

The three versions of frittatas are a "simplicity" with ham and choice of cheese; a "hot tamale" with sausage, peppers, onions, jalapenos, corn and cheddar cheese topped with pico de gallo; and a "meat lover" with bacon, sausage and ham with or without cheese. Note that the lunch menu, which is normally served after 10:30 a.m., features a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads. 

Grump's Cafe
We couldn't forget to include everyone's local favorite, Grump's, for those who would like to stay in their pajamas on New Year's Day. Grump's will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to serve their traditional menu along with good wishes for the upcoming year. The "Grumpiest breakfast melt" has two fried eggs and pastrami with American cheese, mayo and mustard on grilled rye. Another standout is the "whole dang thing wrap" with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage or corned beef hash, roasted potatoes and cheddar in a honey wheat tortilla. Note that Grump's will make orders with either Egg Beaters or egg whites for a nominal charge.  

Other offerings at Grump's include a variety of breakfast sandwiches, benedicts, omelets, pancakes (buckwheat) and country breakfasts such as creamed chipped beef served on toast (S.O.S.) with either potatoes or grits. Kids love to eat at Grump's because of the friendly employees, casual atmosphere and colorful décor. The "brats breakfast" menu serves kid-sized portions of breakfast favorites. Grump's also serves lunch and dinner — if you're hungry for a burger, theirs are some of the best in the area.

The Main Ingredient
Call now to make a reservation if you've going out for brunch with a group on New Year's Day at the Main Ingredient on Bay Ridge Road. They'll be open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Indulge in pancakes varieties such as the banana and almond or peaches and cream. Other menu offerings to try include croissant sandwich and the Hungarian mushroom scramble (if you love the soup, this a must). The Main Ingredient's menu also features a variety of omelets, benedicts, and to-die-for bakery items.

Rams Head Roadhouse
Start the year with a traditional "eye opener" breakfast at Rams Head Roadhouse on Generals Highway. If you're looking for something really hearty for brunch, get the creamed chipped beef (it's homemade … enough said) served on either toast or biscuits. Another top choice is the redneck benedict — biscuits topped with sausage gravy along with eggs and potatoes.

The breakfast pizza features flatbread topped with cheddar Jack cheese, eggs, sausage, bacon and potatoes. One of the highlights of brunch at Rams Head Roadhouse is the all-you-can-drink bloody Mary bar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, the full menu will be served all day until the restaurant closes at 2 a.m.